| dc.description.abstract | Small business faces challenges of surviving amidst competition from established businesses, due to lack of resources and quality management. Hence many of these businesses do not last for long. Small businesses do not only need capital resources to succeed, but need intangible assets as well. These intangible resources are also called Human Capital, and include elements such as education, experience and motivation. This study has limited its focus to only one element of human capital, the experience of the owner or managers of the Supa Quick franchise. This research is undertaken to examine the perceptions of owners and managers on the impact of their experience and the franchise standard operating procedures (SOP) on the success of their franchise business. Furthermore, the study looks at factors that impede business performance, as well as other measures used by owners and managers to measure their business success, besides the normal financial measures used every day. In order to collect data, the qualitative method was employed using a questionnaire which consisted of open- and closed-ended questions in the form of 4 - point Likert scales type questions. The questionnaire was administered to 12 Supa Quick franchise owners and managers in the Cape Town Metropolitan areas and Stellenbosch. The findings indicated that more than 90 % of the studied Supa Quick owners and managers perceive experience as an important factor in influencing their business performance. Furthermore, 100% of them say that franchise SOP play a part in the success of their franchises. However, they have many different ways in which they measure success in their businesses and the factors that impede their business performance. The results of this research add to the current existing literature on improving business performance and success. Also, it will assist in guidance of entrepreneurs who want to start or buy franchise businesses. | en_US |
